Housing for a Child with Autism: Choosing Options

When designing a home, many focus on aspects like wall color, but for autistic individuals, color has special significance. In fact, there are no trivial details in the sensory perception of the world for these individuals—each detail is important in its own way. The reason is that their senses are constantly heightened, and as a result, color and its saturation, much like lighting, can either stimulate, suppress, or calm. Therefore, when designing a space that is comfortable for an autistic individual, it’s important to consider their individual needs and make sure they perceive the room as a safe and cozy place.

Typically, children prefer blue and red hues, infants tend to favor pastel tones, and rooms for boys and girls do not necessarily need to be decorated in pink or blue. There’s a lot of data on this, but until 2016, little was known about how autistic individuals perceive color.

Researchers have proven that boys with autism spectrum disorders, unlike their neurotypical peers, tend to have a negative reaction to the color yellow due to its intensity, and they respond somewhat better to muted greens and browns. Yellow, for instance, often has a suppressive effect, not just a bright one.
Neutral colors are generally preferred because they do not irritate the sensory system. These include beige, light gray, pale olive, or slate tones, which create a sense of calm, as they do not strain the eyes or draw attention to themselves but simply indicate where the walls are. On the other hand, intense hues—such as bright reds or saturated yellows—are visually “demanding” and, because of this, can cause discomfort. They stimulate the sensory system, leading to confusion, fatigue, and other sensations; red can increase heart rate, while yellow specifically heightens anxiety in cases of hypersensitivity.
Autistic individuals tend to react less to blue, although dark tones are undesirable. Bright colors affect the nervous system, not just the eyes, which can lead to stress or discomfort.

Lighting Choices

When selecting lighting, it is crucial to avoid fluorescent lights because their subtle flicker can trigger migraines, nausea, or general discomfort in autistic individuals. The most desirable option is adjustable LED lighting, which allows precise control over brightness and tone. For instance, dimming the lights in the evening can serve as a visual signal that it’s time to rest.

Curtains and Blinds

Darkening curtains also play an important role, especially for those autistic individuals who find it most difficult to calm down at night. They act as a barrier to the outside world, providing a consistent visual boundary, which creates predictability and helps the person relax and fall asleep soundly. Many autistic individuals wake up easily simply because they lack a “sensory refuge.”

Customization for Individual Needs

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution—the individual’s needs must be taken into account. However, in general, the fewer sensory stimuli the sensory system receives, the better. It is important to remember that hypersensitivity is just one symptom of autism, and addressing it is a priority. The most effective and reliable way to deal with this issue is through cell therapy—an innovative and natural technology. It involves transplanting the patient’s own stem cells, which eliminates the risk of rejection due to the absence of immune response.

These basic elements can transform into any other cells, replacing those that are damaged and unable to function properly with healthy counterparts. As a result, brain and nervous system functions are normalized in a short time, behavior stabilizes, development accelerates, various skills improve, and the intensity of symptoms decreases (or even disappears). These changes are long-lasting, and in many cases, permanent, which eliminates the need for repeated therapy and enhances the effectiveness of other corrective measures.

Although stem cell therapy was initially considered experimental, it is now widely recognized and may eventually become the primary method for addressing autism and its manifestations. Leading clinics around the world, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, are actively utilizing this therapy. The center’s doctors have extensive experience in stem cell transplantation and have access to state-of-the-art equipment, which ensures the best possible therapeutic results. Additionally, the convenience of location and the fact that treatment costs are more affordable compared to other countries with developed healthcare systems make it an excellent choice. The center’s staff also provides full assistance with trip planning and resolving issues related to accommodation during the rehabilitation period.

Cell Therapy: A Modern Way to Tackle Autism!